K Chandrasekhar Rao promises posts for women, sets up panel

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday promised nominated posts for women who took an active part in the Telangana movement and also those who worked for women’s development in the state. Conveying greetings to women on International Women’s Day, Mr Rao constituted a three-member committee comprising Assembly Deputy Speaker Padma Devender Reddy, Karimnagar Zilla Parishad chairperson Tula Uma and Nizamabad MP K. Kavitha to select candidates for the post of chairpersons of certain corporations and other nominated posts.

The CM asked the committee members to prepare a list of eligible women based on which the nominated posts will be filled up. Mr Rao also said he was keen that women play an increased role in governance. The issue of nominated posts and Cabinet berths to women has been in the air for some time. The CM had been targeted by the Opposition for failing to induct women in the Cabinet and corporations though there are several women legislators.

In the recent nomination of 10 chairpersons to various corporations, no women were given posts. Ms Kavitha and other TRS leaders have been questioned about denial of nominated posts and Cabinet berths to women though a large number of women took part in the Telangana movement. “More innovative programmes for women will be launched this year. Women in the state should take advantage of the government programmes and schemes,” the CM said.